GranQuartz, a leading supplier of tools and equipment to stone fabricators and concrete and monument professionals across the U.S., has been acquired by The Stephens Group, a private, family-owned investment firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Portland Cement Association is expecting U.S. cement consumption to reach 3.5 percent annual growth during the remainder of 2017 and 2018, based on analysis of data and policies likely to impact the industry in the years ahead.

The Portland Cement Association recently honored the winners of the 2017 Safety Innovation Awards, which recognize creative safety-enhancing projects in the cement industry, at a recent PCA board meeting and fly-in event.

The American Society of Concrete Contractors will hold its 16th annual conference Sept. 14-17 at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. Concrete contractors, manufacturers, designers and other industry professionals will gather for three days of educational events and networking.

The deadline to submit entries for the 10th annual Decorative Concrete Awards, presented by the Decorative Concrete Council, a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, is Sept. 30. The competition, held in partnership with Concrete Construction magazine, is open to DCC members and nonmembers.

Hilti has expanded its 36-volt cordless tool line with the cordless rotary hammer TE 6-A36-AVR and the cordless angle grinder AG 600-A36.